Thank you Caldey for sending into Everything Dinosaur your wonderful Spinosaurus mirabilis drawing. Inspired by the news of a second species of Spinosaurus having been described, Caldey decided to illustrate the head of this new theropod, complete with its amazing crest.  Caldey has chosen striking colours.  The choice of the orange and metallic blue reminds us of the plumage of a kingfisher bird.  It’s appropriate as both dinosaurs (birds are members of the Dinosauria), ate fish.

The beautiful drawing of the recently described spinosaurid dinosaur – Spinosaurus mirabilis. Picture credit: Caldey.

Picture credit: Caldey

To read Everything Dinosaur’s article about this new spinosaurid: New Scimitar-crested Spinosaurus is Described.

Caldey’s Spinosaurus mirabilis Drawing

The drawing of the head of the new theropod shows some amazing detail.  The snout with the accurately placed nostrils is charcoal black.  In contrast the area around the eye is a vibrant orange hue.  Furthermore, that remarkable crest is shaped in the same way as the scientific illustrations that were sent to us by one of the researchers.  The teeth have been carefully drawn, and the scarlet tones highlight the integument of the throat area.

A Spinosaurus mirabilis has caught a coelacanth. Picture credit: D. Navarro.

Picture credit: D Navarro

The image (above) shows one of the official illustrations of Spinosaurus mirabilis. Caldey’s illustration carefully mirrors the scientific reconstruction of this new theropod.

Spinosaurus Drawings

Over the years, Caldey has sent to Everything Dinosaur lots of prehistoric animal drawings.  Moreover, we have received several Spinosaurus illustrations.  For example, in May 2020 when new research was published on Spinosaurus aegyptiacus, Caldey drew a swimming Spinosaurus.  Her illustrations reflect how the interpretation of Spinosaurus fossil material has changed.

An illustration of a swimming Spinosaurus (May 2020). The species is Spinosaurus aegyptiacus. Picture credit: Caldey.

Picture credit: Caldey

Mike from Everything Dinosaur thanked Caldey for emailing the illustration and commented:

“The artwork reflects the changes in how the Spinosaurus taxon is interpreted.  For example, in 2020 scientific studies suggested that Spinosaurus aegyptiacus was a quadruped and semi-aquatic.  However, the newly described S. mirabilis is thought to have hunted fish in a similar way to a modern heron. Thank you Caldey for your fabulous drawings.”

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models.

Thank you Caldey for sending into Everything Dinosaur a colourful illustration of the theropod dinosaur Acrocanthosaurus.  The vivid artwork is inspired by recently published photographs of the Beasts of the Mesozoic Acrocanthosaurus figure.  The young artist has captured the red tones and contrasting blues of the Acrocanthosaurus prototype.  It is wonderful to see Acrocanthosaurus illustrated in this way.

A beautiful and extremely colourful Acrocanthosaurus illustration. Caldey has taken inspiration from the Beasts of the Mesozoic articulated Acrocanthosaurus model’s colour scheme. Picture credit: Caldey.

Picture credit: Caldey

Acrocanthosaurus Illustrated

Acrocanthosaurus (A. atokensis) is a carcharodontosaurid taxon named and described in 1950 (Stovall and Langston). It roamed North America during the Cretaceous. Fossils have been found in Oklahoma, Wyoming, Texas and Maryland. Palaeontologists regard Acrocanthosaurus as one of the largest theropods. Size estimates vary but it could have reached lengths in excess of twelve metres and weighed four tonnes.  Caldey has captured the jaw shape and skull of this apex predator.  In addition, the young artist has carefully illustrated the three digits on each hand.

The genus name translates as “high spined lizard”. A reflection of the tall neural spines associated with the vertebrae.  Caldey has skilfully illustrated this anatomical feature, with a high ridge of bone and flesh running from the back of the head down the body.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Thank you Caldey for sending into us your beautiful Acrocanthosaurus drawing.  It is such an impressive illustration.  Moreover, you have captured the vivid colour scheme of the Beasts of the Mesozoic Acrocanthosaurus prototype.”

The Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models.

Everything Dinosaur team members have commissioned a Sauroposeidon scale drawing.  The illustration is going to be used in the company’s Sauroposeidon fact sheet. This fact sheet will be sent out with sales of the new Haolonggood Sauroposeidon figures.  The drawing shows the sauropod rearing up.  This is because the Haolonggood figures are rearing up.

The Sauroposeidon scale drawing. This illustration will be incorporated into the Everything Dinosaur Sauroposeidon fact sheet. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

A Sauroposeidon Scale Drawing

The size of this dinosaur is not known.  Based on the holotype cervical vertebrae, it has been estimated that this dinosaur measured more than thirty metres in length.  It could have weighed as much as sixty tonnes.  Size estimates are based on scaling up the Giraffatitan brancai specimen on display at the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin. Sauroposeidon (S. proteles) was formally named and described in 2000 AD (Wedel, Cifelli and Sanders).

The three Haolonggood Sauroposeidon models. HLG-185A (left), HLG-185b (centre) and HLG-185c the Heterochromatic version (right).

To view the range of Haolonggood prehistoric animal models in stock: Haolonggood Prehistoric Animal Models.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We commission illustrations for use in the free fact sheets that we send out.  These scale drawings provide a visual guide to the size of the animal.  With Sauroposeidon we have based our size estimate based on scaling up a brachiosaurid.  However, the taxonomy of Sauroposeidon remains controversial.”

The multi-award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models and Toys.

Everything Dinosaur has commissioned a scale drawing of the South American theropod dinosaur Taurovenator violantei for use in a new dinosaur fact sheet. The fact sheet is to be supplied free of charge with the PNSO Taurovenator dinosaur model.

A scale drawing of the Argentinian Late Cretaceous theropod dinosaur Taurovenator. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

It was named and formally described as Taurovenator violantei in 2016 (Motta et al). The PNSO Hugo the Taurovenator model is due in stock very soon.

To view the range of PNSO prehistoric animal models available: PNSO Age of Dinosaurs Figures.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Thank you PNSO for introducing another fantastic figure of a South American theropod.”

PNSO Hugo the Taurovenator dinosaur model.

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Buy Dinosaur Models.

Everything Dinosaur has commissioned a Lurdusaurus arenatus scale drawing for use in the company’s Lurdusaurus fact sheet.  The illustration celebrates the imminent arrival of the new for 2026 PNSO Lurdusaurus figure.

A scale drawing of the robust iguanodont Lurdusaurus arenatus. This herbivorous dinosaur is thought to have measured between seven and nine metres in length. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The new for 2026 PNSO Bakari the Lurdusaurus model is due to arrive at Everything Dinosaur shortly.  Lurdusaurus arenatus was a very large and heavily built iguanodontian dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous of what is now Niger. Most palaeontologists consider it one of the most robust members of its group. The body was unusually wide and deep, suggesting a barrel-shaped torso and powerful limbs.

The PNSO Bakari the Lurdusaurus dinosaur model.

To view the range of PNSO prehistoric animal models in stock at Everything Dinosaur: PNSO Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Figures.

Lurdusaurus arenatus

This ornithopod was formally named and described in 1999 (Taquet and Russell).  Whilst its size remains open to debate, most size estimates for this taxon range between seven and nine metres. Size estimates are based on the holotype skeleton described by the researchers in 1999. The preserved bones indicate an animal roughly comparable in length to a modern African elephant. Its shortened, sturdy limbs and broad ribcage suggest a slow-moving, quadrupedal herbivore adapted for supporting great body weight. It might have weighed between three and six tonnes.

The genus name derives from the Latin “lurdus” which means heavy and the Greek “sauros” for lizard. The specific name arenatus is Latin for “sandy” because it was found in a desert. The fossil material comes from the famous Elrhaz Formation (Niger).

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We are preparing a Lurdusaurus arenatus fact sheet. It is coming into stock shortly along with other new PNSO models.  Specifically, the Caudipteryx, Taurovenator and Tameryraptor models.”

The multi-award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Buy Dinosaur Models and Toys.

We have commissioned a Beelzebufo ampinga drawing as we await the arrival of the Rebor Beelzebufo figures.  The drawing will be used in the Everything Dinosaur Beelzebufo fact sheet.  Fact sheets will be sent out free with the new Rebor Beelzebufo figures (Goo Goo Doll and Little Feet models).

Everything Dinosaur has commissioned an illustration of Beelzebufo ampinga in preparation of the arrival of the Rebor articulated Beelzebufo figures. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Fossils are known from Upper Cretaceous strata on the island of Madagascar. When first described in 2008 (Evans, Jones and Krause), a body length of over forty centimetres was proposed. The size of this prehistoric amphibian remains uncertain. It had a body length of at least twenty-five centimetres. The largest fossil specimen known nearly attains this size and the unfused nature of its fossilised bones indicate that it probably grew much larger.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s article from 2008 announcing the discovery of this giant prehistoric frog: A Prehistoric Frog That Could Jump Continents.

A Beelzebufo ampinga Drawing

The drawing shows this prehistoric frog in a lateral view with its huge, cavernous mouth closed.  The Rebor figures are articulated and there are two different figures to choose from.  One figure, (Little Feet) has extensions of skin over its eyes, a nod towards a suggested phylogenetic relationship to the Ceratophyrinae, termed the “horned frogs”. However, our drawing is based upon “Goo Goo Doll”.

The Rebor articulated Beelzebufo figure. This is the Goo Goo Doll colour scheme (swamp version).

The phylogenetic affinity of Beelzebufo remains controversial.  Similarities in skull bones between it and extant “horned frogs” might be a result of convergent evolution.

The range of Rebor models and figures available: Rebor Figures and Models.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We create fact sheets as we want to help educate and inform.  Each fact sheet provides some basic information about the prehistoric animal the model represents.  By commissioning drawings, we can produce a scale drawing so that readers can see the approximate size of the creature.  Our Beelzebufo ampinga drawing captures the stocky nature of this prehistoric frog.  Its mouth was huge, and it has been speculated that it could attack and swallow baby dinosaurs.”

The multi-award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animal Figures.

Our thanks to the extremely talented Caldey who sent into Everything Dinosaur her drawing of Nanotyrannus.  It is a beautiful Nanotyrannus illustration.  Caldey was inspired to create her dinosaur drawing by a recently published scientific paper.  The new study confirmed that Nanotyrannus was a valid genus.  A theropod dinosaur skull found in 1942 led to the erection of the Nanotyrannus genus in 1946 when this specimen was scientifically described (Gilmore).  However, scientists have debated whether the holotype and subsequent fossil discoveries represented a valid taxon or juvenile T. rex.

A detailed study of a remarkable fossil nicknamed the “Duelling Dinosaurs” has reaffirmed the validity of Nanotyrannus. The research, led by Lindsay Zanno of North Carolina State University demonstrates that this specimen represents a fully mature Nanotyrannus lancensis. Furthermore, a second Nanotyrannus species has been named – Nanotyrannus lethaeus.

To commemorate Nanotyrannus being declared a valid taxon following the recent publishing of a scientific paper, Caldey has produced a beautiful illustration of “dwarf tyrant”. Picture credit: Caldey.

Picture credit: Caldey

To read Everything Dinosaur’s recent article about the confirmation of Nanotyrannus as a valid genus: A New Chapter in Tyrannosaur Evolution.

A Colourful Nanotyrannus Illustration

Caldey has chosen to give her Nanotyrannus a striking appearance.  The darker tones of the body contrast strongly with patches of vibrant blue.  The snout, cranial crests, the posterior part of the skull have been coloured a vivid blue.  These colours highlight features of the head and would provide an element of motion dazzle if the dinosaur turned its head rapidly.  Caldey has given her dinosaur a coat of shaggy feathers.  However, not all of the body is covered, and these feathers do not extend over the tail.  Individual scales on this Nanotyrannus illustration have been carefully picked out.  The Nanotyrannus is standing in front of a ginkgo tree. All in all, it is a skilfully composed example of palaeoart.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Caldey’s Nanotyrannus illustration is a fitting tribute to this validated tyrannosaur taxon.  Whilst we expect the decision to erect two species to remain controversial, the recent study provided compelling evidence to indicate that Nanotyrannus is a separate taxon from Tyrannosaurus rex.  Indeed, the research paper concludes that Nanotyrannus was not closely related to the iconic tyrant lizard king.”

Our thanks to Caldey for sharing her wonderful Nanotyrannus drawing.

Our thanks to talented artist Caldey who sent into Everything Dinosaur a beautiful illustration of the head of a dromaeosaurid dinosaur.  We think the dromaeosaur illustration was inspired by the large “raptors” portrayed in the recent film “Primitive War”.

The close-up view of the dromaeosaur illustration created by Caldey. We think the colour scheme chosen by Caldey was inspired by the large dromaeosaurs seen in the recent film “Primitive War”. Picture credit: Caldey.

Picture credit: Caldey

The feathers on the back of the head and neck have been carefully drawn.  The facial scales are meticulously observed, and the dinosaur has been given a menacing look.  The teeth are recurved and formidable.  This is an apex predator of the jungle.

The colours chosen by the illustrator provide effective camouflage when the animal stalks prey through the dense forest. It is a vivid depiction of a predatory dinosaur.

Congratulations to you Caldey, it is a wonderful illustration and thank you for sharing it with us.

Our thanks to Caldey, a dinosaur model collector and artist who sent into us an Everything Dinosaur Evolution T. rex drawing.  Today, it is the fourth of October. This is a special day for fans of the “Tyrant Lizard King”.  The American palaeontologist Henry Fairfield Osborn wrote the 1905 paper that named and scientifically described Tyrannosaurus rex.  The paper was published on this day, a hundred and twenty years ago. At the time Osborn was president of the American Museum of Natural History (New York).  The paper was published in the “Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History”.

Happy 120th birthday T. rex!

The Everything Dinosaur Evolution T. rex Drawing by Caldey

Caldey sent into Everything Dinosaur a wonderful illustration of the soon to arrive, Everything Dinosaur Evolution T. rex figure.  This unique, 1:33 scale figure is expected to arrive at our warehouse next month.

An illustration of the new Everything Dinosaur Evolution T. rex by Caldey. The young illustrator chose to use artist pens to make her drawing vibrant. Picture credit: Caldey.

Picture credit: Caldey

To pre-order the Everything Dinosaur Evolution Tyrannosaurus rex: Everything Dinosaur Evolution Tyrannosaurus Figures.

Caldey has depicted the theropod next to a small stream with a woodland in the background.  The dinosaur has its head turned to face the viewer.  Caldey chose to use artist pens to create her drawing. It is a vibrant illustration.  Her eye for detail has enabled the young artist to depict the sophisticated colouration of the tyrannosaur model.

The Formal Description of Tyrannosaurus rex

On the fourth of October 1905, T. rex was formally named and scientifically described.  Osborn named a second theropod specimen in the same paper.  He named this dinosaur Dynamosaurus imperiosus.  Fossils collected in 1900 from a location in Wyoming consisted of part of the jaw with some teeth, dorsal and cervical vertebrae, a hindlimb and elements from the pelvis.  These fossils joined the vertebrate fossil collection of the London Natural History Museum in 1960. Ankylosaur plates were also ascribed to this theropod specimen.  Osborn later realised that Dynamosaurus was synonymous with Tyrannosaurus rex.

The “Tyrant Lizard King” moniker had become established, and although Dynamosaurus was the first name stated in the paper, the binomial title Tyrannosaurus rex was here to stay.

Everything Dinosaur Evolution pre-orders are now available from Everything Dinosaur. Both the Collector’s and the Founder’s Edition are scheduled to arrive at the company’s warehouse in November (2025). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Our thanks to Caldey for her spectacular illustration. Her artwork is to be featured in the digital product passport for our new T. rex figure.  After a hundred and twenty years, a Tyrannosaurus rex model enters a new era of retail with its own digital product passport. One day all dinosaur models will be made this way.

Thanks again Caldey for your beautiful dinosaur drawing.

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Figures.

Sue and I have happy memories of the inaugural DinoCon.  The event took place last month at Exeter University.  It was the UK’s first dinosaur convention, and we met lots of extremely talented people.  For example, this event was attended by C. M. Kösemen, a researcher and artist. He is also an author, perhaps most famous for the remarkable book “All Yesterdays”. First published in 2012, it was a collaboration with artist John Conway and palaeontologist Darren Naish. It challenges perceptions about how dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals behaved. It contains lots of stunning illustrations.

His artwork is unique, it encompasses surrealist images, speculative evolution and palaeoart. In addition, he takes inspiration from the history and culture of his native Turkey.  As DinoCon drew to a close, Sue and I were presented with a signed illustration.  We are honoured to have received such a gift.

The personally signed artwork presented to Everything Dinosaur by C. M. Kösemen. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The C. M. Kösemen Artwork

This artwork that was signed by the artist features two flying creatures.  The top image is that of Yi qi, the scansoriopterygid dinosaur from the Late Jurassic of China.  The image below is that of the Eurasian magpie (Pica pica).  Sue and I really appreciate this kind gesture, a personally signed copy of some brilliant artwork.  A stunning reconstruction of a bizarre theropod and a magpie to provide scale.  Not all dinosaurs were giants and Yi qi demonstrates the enormous diversity of the Theropoda. C. M. Kösemen too, is known for producing a diverse range of illustrations – everything from dinosaurs to surreal artwork and images of speculative evolution.

For further information about this innovative artist, read his Wikipedia article: C. M. Kösemen on Wikipedia.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“DinoCon was a huge success. It was amazing to meet so many talented people.  The artwork and illustrations on display were simply stunning. Sue and I were delighted to receive such a special and thoughtful gift.”

To read more about this year’s DinoCon event: DinoCon a Fantastic Success!